Residents are invited to help shape the future of public art in Orillia.
The City’s Public Places Committee is undertaking a public consultation process to draft a Public Art Plan.
It will contain a vision and goals for public art in Orillia and help inform both temporary and permanent art installations moving forward.
“Combined with Orillia’s natural beauty, the arts have transformed our city into a warm, welcoming and dynamic place to live, work and play,” said Mayor Steve Clarke. “As the Art in Public Places Committee looks to the future of public art within Orillia, we look forward to hearing from residents about what inspires them.”
Orillia residents are encouraged to participate in an online survey to help inform the plan. The survey will be available at orillia.ca/publicart until June 7, 2021, at 4 p.m. Paper copies are also available for curbside pickup at the Orillia Museum of Art & History by calling 705-326-2159 or emailing visitors@orilliamuseum.org.
Over the past several decades, Orillia has added to its public art collection. Sculptures, murals, installations, and other artistic elements are embedded within the city landscape. A Public Art Plan will function as an important document to guide the City in its efforts to incorporate public art into the community for everyone to enjoy.
“We want to know what type of public art is important to the residents of Orillia,” said Cathy Phillips, Chair of the Art in Public Places Committee. “Responses to our brief survey will help the committee to better understand the role of public art, specifically where, how and what kinds of public art can positively impact the quality of life in Orillia.”
The information received during the public consultation process will inform the draft plan, which will be presented to Council for consideration.